Chuck Thompson had homework to finish up this holiday weekend before meeting with Holly Swanson, principal of Whittier Middle School.

Thompson, president of Republic Bank and Trust, is one of more than 40 community members signed up to participate in the Norman Public School Foundation's annual Principal for a Day program Tuesday.

These community members will meet with the principals from their assigned school sites at 7:15 a.m. during breakfast at the Nancy O'Brian Center for the Performing Arts at Norman North High School. From there, they will accompany the principal back to their site for a half day of classroom visits, morning announcements, book reading and playground supervision. At 11:30 a.m., all participants will reconvene at the performing arts center for lunch and a wrap-up of their day.

Holly Swanson, principal at Whittier Middle School, said she thinks this is a good opportunity for these community members, many of whom are supporters of the Norman Public School Foundation, to see how the teachers utilize the grants received from the foundation. She is also excited to showcase the work done by local educators.

"I want them to get a feel for what happens day to day," said Swanson. This will be her first year as head principal to participate in the program.

This will be the second go around for Norman Police Chief Phil Cotten. Last year, he served at Madison Elementary. This year, he has graduated elementary and will move to the middle school level, where he will shadow Darien Moore, principal of Longfellow Middle School.

In his former experience, Cotten said he was pleased to see how well-behaved the students were. He also enjoyed seeing the thriving relationships among the diverse group of children.

First time participant and first time foundation board member Kevin Hopper is eager get a more personal view of the inner workings of the school system. Between his involvement on the board and having a son in second grade in Norman, Hopper has ties to the school system. He looks forward to seeing his site at Dimensions North Alternative Education Academy from the principal's eyes, though.

"I know Norman has awesome schools ... I expect to see great things," he said.

This will be the first year for Thompson to take part in the project as well. Fortunately, though, he has a little help at home to help him prepare for the big day: His daughter is a sixth grade student at the school. He has already visited the school several times for her events and is expecting to feel at ease when role-playing as principal.

For more information on the foundation, visit www.npsfok.com.